Bio-plastic liners help to keep the cup from degrading too quickly
Most recyclable paper cups are lined with bio-plastic (Plastic Lining). This kind of plastic is also biodegradable and does not generate any harmful waste. It degrades when exposed to moist conditions and can be composted like organic matter. These cups are an excellent option for anyone who cares about the environment.
Bio-plastic liners help to keep the cup from degrading too quickly. They are made of bio-plastic and paperboard, which is recyclable. Paperboard is made from recycled paper or virgin wood, but paperboard made from recycled paper releases greenhouse gases and requires human energy and manual labor to process. During the recycling process, paper has to go through a bleaching and cleaning process.
The coating on the paper cup is so thin that it is difficult to separate it from the rest of the paper. This "wishcycling" process adds to operating costs and contaminates other recyclables. Paper cups are also not suitable for local composting.